I picked up a 97 Grand Cherokee with a mystery problem and I need some help.

Here is the rundown- When I turn the key on i get no guages, no idiot lights below the guage cluster. There is no power going to the fuel pump and it is producing no spark. It turns and cranks but will not start. There was a hack job installation of a remote start when the previous owner had it. I can't even see how many miles are on it because the guages will not turn on.

I was thinking it was the computer or the power distribution center but I am seriously stumped here...

basically

-No Spark-No fuel pump (or no power going to fuel pump)-The guages do not work, and will not show mileage-It cranks but no start

This was an intermittent problem for me. Usually I "fixed" the problem by rowing the shifter and if that did not work, time, (or having it towed to a mechanic) usually "fixed" the problem.I currently have the JP GC in a dealer - they Claim the PDC (power distribution center - aka. main fuse box or engine fuse box) is corroded too bad.I am currently trying to locate a used PDC - since the dealer claims this is not longer available from D/C/J - and claims is not available thru aftermarket sources. Contact me (a) if you have success or (b) need help locating a PDC. mark_a_lucas37@hotmail.com

I have a 1996 jeep grand cherokee laredo 4.0 and I am having the same problem as you did on your jeep,but I am getting power to all of my gauges and there was no check engine light. My neighber had a OBDII scanner did the diagnostic and there was no trouble code. I replaced the fuel filter,cap/rotor,plugs,wires,coil. Still it cranks with no spark. I have not changed the crank/cam sensors yet until I find out the out come of your problem.Did you ever get the problem resolved and what was the problem.I sure could use your help if you got your jeep running again.

The manufacturers dont usually have info on what symptoms could mean what problems so neither do the aftermarket repair manuals. You could use this repair manual software which does have symptoms: http://www.repairsurge.com. You download it and run it on your computer. (pls note this is not a affiliate link)

CAR TURNS OVER BUT NO START I NOTICED WHEN YOU TURN THE KEY ON TO START GAS GAUGE SHOWS THE LITTLE GAS PUMP SYMBOL AND GAS GAUGE DOES NOT MOVE I JUST FILLED THE TANK SO I NO THERE IS GAS I ALSO POURED GAS IN THE MOTOR NO START ,JUMPED FUEL PUMP IT WORKES. CRANK SENSOR ,COIL,MOGEL ALL HAVE POWER I EVEN CHANGED THE COMPUTER THE CAR DOES HAVE SECRITY SYSTEM FACTORY I JUST CANT FIGURE THIS ONE OUT HELP THANKS

This should be a recall,but as with other problems,they dont want to own up to it .So here's what i have learned :ALL of the jeep cherokees have this problem . one cause is the crank position sensor ,mounted on the top of the trans. bell housing near / under the firewall. Some people have had luck with simply unplugging the sensor,waiting 5 minutes,then plugging it back up . In my case ,it had to be replaced .check first the fuel pump relay,located under the hood,pass. side in the fuse box,marked under the fuse box lid as fuel pump relay.the wiper fuse should be the same=check the numbers on the fuse .then check all other fuses with a test light.any blown fuse has a reason for it ,so use the wiring schematic it the back of the owners manual to find all wires in that circuit ,and check those wires for cuts,burns or chaffing (vibration rub marks that cut the wire fot the copper inside to corrode ).also make sure that the battery is not corroded , check the main ground wires for loose nuts that will make them a bad control ground .most older cherokees up to 1996 have a "trick" to getting the check engine light to blink a number of times for the code .turn the switch to the forward on position and back off 6 times then leave on for the code and write down the numbers. unlike chevy ,it only gives one code= no repeats until it is done so write fast . last code means its done . check you tube for videos on this . main cause = 99% of the time = FAULTY CRANK POSITION SENSOR .

Got a 96 Jeep. Mines doing the EXACT same thing. Ran fine then just stopped starting up. Di you ever find out anything? Seems like a lot of people have this problem but no answer...any idea will help. Thanks.

This should be a recall,but as with other problems,they dont want to own up to it .So here's what i have learned :ALL of the jeep cherokees have this problem . one cause is the crank position sensor ,mounted on the top of the trans. bell housing near / under the firewall. Some people have had luck with simply unplugging the sensor,waiting 5 minutes,then plugging it back up . In my case ,it had to be replaced .check first the fuel pump relay,located under the hood,pass. side in the fuse box,marked under the fuse box lid as fuel pump relay.the wiper fuse should be the same=check the numbers on the fuse .then check all other fuses with a test light.any blown fuse has a reason for it ,so use the wiring schematic it the back of the owners manual to find all wires in that circuit ,and check those wires for cuts,burns or chaffing (vibration rub marks that cut the wire fot the copper inside to corrode ).also make sure that the battery is not corroded , check the main ground wires for loose nuts that will make them a bad control ground .most older cherokees up to 1996 have a "trick" to getting the check engine light to blink a number of times for the code .turn the switch to the forward on position and back off 6 times then leave on for the code and write down the numbers. unlike chevy ,it only gives one code= no repeats until it is done so write fast . last code means its done . check you tube for videos on this . main cause = 99% of the time = FAULTY CRANK POSITION SENSOR . HOPE THIS HELPS .

This should be a recall,but as with other problems,they dont want to own up to it .So here's what i have learned :ALL of the jeep cherokees have this problem . one cause is the crank position sensor ,mounted on the top of the trans. bell housing near / under the firewall. Some people have had luck with simply unplugging the sensor,waiting 5 minutes,then plugging it back up . In my case ,it had to be replaced .check first the fuel pump relay,located under the hood,pass. side in the fuse box,marked under the fuse box lid as fuel pump relay.the wiper fuse should be the same=check the numbers on the fuse .then check all other fuses with a test light.any blown fuse has a reason for it ,so use the wiring schematic it the back of the owners manual to find all wires in that circuit ,and check those wires for cuts,burns or chaffing (vibration rub marks that cut the wire fot the copper inside to corrode ).also make sure that the battery is not corroded , check the main ground wires for loose nuts that will make them a bad control ground .most older cherokees up to 1996 have a "trick" to getting the check engine light to blink a number of times for the code .turn the switch to the forward on position and back off 6 times then leave on for the code and write down the numbers. unlike chevy ,it only gives one code= no repeats until it is done so write fast . last code means its done . check you tube for videos on this . main cause = 99% of the time = FAULTY CRANK POSITION SENSOR . LET ME KNOW IF THIS WAS HELPFUL .

Exact same problem with my cherokee. no fuel pump (even when turning the key on), no fire, no start. Replaced a faulty plug on the ECM, replaced crankshaft sensor, still nothing. No fuel gauge, (and it has 1/2 tank, AND it worked when the jeep arrived at my house being DRIVEN) the yellow low fuel indicator is lite up as well. HELP?

How do we fix it i say chrysler needs to pay ha ha i wish. My 83 datsun never ever has problems like this terd. I love it how all the electrical stuff just craps out. I could have hand wired this car with duct tape and soildered it, ya know? jerry rigged it!The blower motor just stays on i fixed that just unplugged it,then it kept beeping service 4wd switch unplugged it, then ran fine for few years died while driving no start,no fuel or spark someone have and anser i will reply once mine is fixed unlike evrybody else. please help comp cps or gas and a match?

These cars all develop the same symptoms.. before you try anything else.. locate the ECM. On the 96 GC it is behind the radiator overflow - remove 3 10mm nuts. Lift it out of the way. The ECM has a plastic cover which pops off(forward)and you will see three large plug bundles plugged into the ECM. Here is what a guy told me- disconnect the battery, then there are two torx screws holding the cover on the actual metal ECM - they are 1/2" long..below the plugs in the front of the ecm. With wear and bouncing the board moves and contacts the end of the screws-- back them out half way - reconnect the battery and try to start it - if it works.. put in 1/4" sheet metal screws instead of the 1/2" long ones. Problem solved in my 2 cases. It worked on both my 96 GC's. I am sure the guy saw this somewhere on the internet- he is just not that smart... this fixed the gas gauge issue and they run now..very well. I am guessing this was a long term problem that was intermittent..

If this doesn't fix it- the only other real culprits are the crankshaft position sensor and the ECM itself... try it - there is nothing to lose and it may work for you.

Tried this on mine and had great success. I plugged everything back in, hooked up the battery, and the alarm went off - repeatedly. I unhooked the battery for about 10 minutes, did the reset with both door locks, and everythings good. Thanks.

This should be a recall,but as with other problems,they dont want to own up to it .So here's what i have learned :ALL of the jeep cherokees have this problem . one cause is the crank position sensor ,mounted on the top of the trans. bell housing near / under the firewall. Some people have had luck with simply unplugging the sensor,waiting 5 minutes,then plugging it back up . In my case ,it had to be replaced .check first the fuel pump relay,located under the hood,pass. side in the fuse box,marked under the fuse box lid as fuel pump relay.the wiper fuse should be the same=check the numbers on the fuse .then check all other fuses with a test light.any blown fuse has a reason for it ,so use the wiring schematic it the back of the owners manual to find all wires in that circuit ,and check those wires for cuts,burns or chaffing (vibration rub marks that cut the wire fot the copper inside to corrode ).also make sure that the battery is not corroded , check the main ground wires for loose nuts that will make them a bad control ground .most older cherokees up to 1996 have a "trick" to getting the check engine light to blink a number of times for the code .turn the switch to the forward on position and back off 6 times then leave on for the code and write down the numbers. unlike chevy ,it only gives one code= no repeats until it is done so write fast . last code means its done . check you tube for videos on this . main cause = 99% of the time = FAULTY CRANK POSITION SENSOR

This should be a recall,but as with other problems,they dont want to own up to it .So here's what i have learned :ALL of the jeep cherokees have this problem . one cause is the crank position sensor ,mounted on the top of the trans. bell housing near / under the firewall. Some people have had luck with simply unplugging the sensor,waiting 5 minutes,then plugging it back up . In my case ,it had to be replaced .check first the fuel pump relay,located under the hood,pass. side in the fuse box,marked under the fuse box lid as fuel pump relay.the wiper fuse should be the same=check the numbers on the fuse .then check all other fuses with a test light.any blown fuse has a reason for it ,so use the wiring schematic it the back of the owners manual to find all wires in that circuit ,and check those wires for cuts,burns or chaffing (vibration rub marks that cut the wire fot the copper inside to corrode ).also make sure that the battery is not corroded , check the main ground wires for loose nuts that will make them a bad control ground .most older cherokees up to 1996 have a "trick" to getting the check engine light to blink a number of times for the code .turn the switch to the forward on position and back off 6 times then leave on for the code and write down the numbers. unlike chevy ,it only gives one code= no repeats until it is done so write fast . last code means its done . check you tube for videos on this . main cause = 99% of the time = FAULTY CRANK POSITION SENSOR . LET ME KNOW IF THIS WAS HELPFUL

This should be a recall,but as with other problems,they dont want to own up to it .So here's what i have learned :ALL of the jeep cherokees have this problem . one cause is the crank position sensor ,mounted on the top of the trans. bell housing near / under the firewall. Some people have had luck with simply unplugging the sensor,waiting 5 minutes,then plugging it back up . In my case ,it had to be replaced .check first the fuel pump relay,located under the hood,pass. side in the fuse box,marked under the fuse box lid as fuel pump relay.the wiper fuse should be the same=check the numbers on the fuse .then check all other fuses with a test light.any blown fuse has a reason for it ,so use the wiring schematic it the back of the owners manual to find all wires in that circuit ,and check those wires for cuts,burns or chaffing (vibration rub marks that cut the wire fot the copper inside to corrode ).also make sure that the battery is not corroded , check the main ground wires for loose nuts that will make them a bad control ground .most older cherokees up to 1996 have a "trick" to getting the check engine light to blink a number of times for the code .turn the switch to the forward on position and back off 6 times then leave on for the code and write down the numbers. unlike chevy ,it only gives one code= no repeats until it is done so write fast . last code means its done . check you tube for videos on this . main cause = 99% of the time = FAULTY CRANK POSITION SENSOR . LET ME KNOW IF THIS WAS HELPFUL .

This should be a recall,but as with other problems,they dont want to own up to it .So here's what i have learned :ALL of the jeep cherokees have this problem . one cause is the crank position sensor ,mounted on the top of the trans. bell housing near / under the firewall. Some people have had luck with simply unplugging the sensor,waiting 5 minutes,then plugging it back up . In my case ,it had to be replaced .check first the fuel pump relay,located under the hood,pass. side in the fuse box,marked under the fuse box lid as fuel pump relay.the wiper fuse should be the same=check the numbers on the fuse .then check all other fuses with a test light.any blown fuse has a reason for it ,so use the wiring schematic it the back of the owners manual to find all wires in that circuit ,and check those wires for cuts,burns or chaffing (vibration rub marks that cut the wire fot the copper inside to corrode ).also make sure that the battery is not corroded , check the main ground wires for loose nuts that will make them a bad control ground .most older cherokees up to 1996 have a "trick" to getting the check engine light to blink a number of times for the code .turn the switch to the forward on position and back off 6 times then leave on for the code and write down the numbers. unlike Chevy ,it only gives one code= no repeats until it is done so write fast . last code means its done . check you tube for videos on this . main cause = 99% of the time = FAULTY CRANK POSITION SENSOR .

I have a 97 jeep cherokee it would crand over but didn't have any spark and fuel gauge and voltage gauge didn't work I replaced the computer and the crank sensor multiple times, I even checked all the fuses. BUT when I continuity tested all the fuses I found out that the automatic shutoff relay fuse under the hood in the fuse box didn't look blown or fried but it still wasn't any good and when I replaced it the fuel gauge and the voltage gauge came on and she fired right up

Sorry for not replying when I found the TRUE problem and cure.PROBLEM: On my 1997 Jeep GC it was a power wire to the combination Fuel Pump/Fuel Guage Sender/Filter. The wire (and associated circuit) had fried and hence had damaged the Computer.

FIX: 1) You cannot fix this unless you are an experienced mechanic and have a lift and lots of time & patience.2) I Stopped wasting time with the two IDIOT Jeep Dealers (who Incorrectly told me it was a corroded power distribtion block ... which was visibly Not corroded and Not the problem in the least). In Austin TX I went to a Jeep specialist - "Jeep Masters".3) The Jeep Masters mechanic replaced the sender wire and replaced the computer module. A few wiring patches were needed (details I cannot provide), as part of the wire replacement.4) Overall Cost to repair: appx $500 (appx $200 for the computer and $300 for labor).5) CAVEAT - for a few months the Fuel Guage worked correctly again, but then reverted to its old weird **** of intermittent working. However, the Starting problem Was fixed.

I have a 98, and went through the same problem. no spark, and no fuel pump. I reset the alarm, and I got spark, and you need to floor the pedal one (1) time and the fuel pump activates. This isa antitheft shut off reset for the fuel pump to work. You need to have a fully powered battery to doa complete reset. Good luck.

96 Cherokee 4.0. Mind just goes dead once you turn the key. No batt, no radio. When I disconnect battery I get a re-do. Problem over the last 2 years was intermittent. Happened x2 in the last week. Printed out your advise, and will take it to my mechanic today - as it sits in front of my house right now. Talk to you later.

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